In a 2021 study by the EUROVISCO group, viscosupplementation was effective for mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis. Although it’s not recommended as an alternative to surgery for advanced cases, it can help relieve pain in patients who cannot undergo arthroplasty.
Viscosupplementation, utilizing hyaluronic acid, enhances joint function, mobility, and pain-free movement. Medical professionals may recommend different brands, such as Monovisc and Orthovisc, each with distinct treatment protocols. While their recommended frequency and dosage vary, both options offer safe and effective outcomes.
This article will compare Monovisc vs Orthovisc, their compositions, clinical efficacy, benefits and drawbacks, and practical considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Comparing Monovisc vs Orthovisc for knee OA treatment is crucial as they have different origins and formulations.
- These injections supplement the joint’s synovial fluid, acting as lubricants and shock absorbers, improving joint function and mobility and reducing pain.
- Medical professionals can ensure that patients receive maximum benefits and efficacy from these viscosupplements by properly administering and adhering to treatment protocols.
- Due to Monovisc’s single-injection therapy, individuals may find it more convenient and appealing than Orthovisc’s multi-injection treatment.
- Patients must consult and discuss this with their trusted medical provider for a more concise price and insurance coverage.
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Understanding Monovisc and Orthovisc
In managing knee osteoarthritis (OA), intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) therapies—such as Orthovisc and Monovisc—involve direct injection of HA into the affected joint. These injections restore the natural viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid, reducing inflammation and protecting against joint damage.
Both injections serve as HA-based viscosupplementation agents for treating knee OA. Comparing Monovisc vs Orthovisc for knee OA treatment is crucial as they have different origins and formulations. Monovisc knee injections capitalize on ultra-pure HA, free from animal proteins.
Unlike Monovisc, which utilizes bacterial fermentation, Orthovisc utilizes avian-derived HA for its injections. Medical professionals must consider this difference, especially for those with hypersensitivity to the components of these viscosupplements.
Despite their differences in composition and formulation, Monovisc and Orthovisc work with similar mechanisms of action. Viscosupplementation, like Orthovisc and Monovisc, involves direct administration into the knee joint to replenish depleted HA. These injections supplement the joint’s synovial fluid, acting as lubricants and shock absorbers.
These viscosupplements introduce HA into the synovial fluid, improving joint function and mobility and promoting pain-free movement. It’s worth noting that Monovisc and Orthovisc have received the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration to treat knee OA symptoms, highlighting their safety and efficacy.
Clinical Efficacy of Monovisc and Orthovisc
Clinical trials have studied Monovisc to assess its effectiveness compared to other treatments. A randomized controlled trial by Petterson & Plancher (2019) directly compared Monovisc to saline. The findings revealed that Monovisc provides a safe and effective therapy, significantly reducing pain within two weeks.
- This study proves that Monovisc’s single-injection treatment is safe and effective for relieving knee pain in symptomatic osteoarthritis patients aged 45 and older. It is an alternative for those seeking non-surgical options or not eligible for knee replacement surgery.
Meanwhile, several studies have substantiated Orthovisc’s effectiveness, including a randomized controlled trial conducted by Neustadt et al. (2005) involving 372 participants. The study demonstrated that Orthovisc is a safe and effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) across a spectrum of severity.
- The study emphasizes that 76% of patients reported significant improvement in pain scores by week eight, representing more than a 20% enhancement. This outcome surpassed the 62% improvement reported by control patients.
Although guidelines don’t specifically endorse or discourage viscosupplementation, research indicates it is more effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids for reducing pain and enhancing functionality in patients with knee OA.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Due to their hyaluronic acid (HA)-based formulations, Monovisc and Orthovisc can benefit their patients similarly. Medical professionals can ensure that patients receive maximum benefits and efficacy from these viscosupplements by properly administering and adhering to treatment protocols. Patients can encounter these advantages after their injection treatment.
- Quick Procedure and Downtime
- Long-lasting Treatment Results
- Improved Joint Function and Mobility
- Reduced Pain and Swelling
- Enhanced Quality of Life
However, due to Monovisc’s single-injection therapy, individuals may find it more convenient and appealing than Orthovisc’s multi-injection treatment. Patients must also understand the drawbacks of these viscosupplements before proceeding with the treatment.
- Temporary Solution: While knee replacement surgery may pose a permanent yet expensive solution, viscosupplementation can deliver a minimally invasive yet temporary option for those suffering from mild to moderate knee OA.
- Cost Consideration: Depending on the severity of their condition, patients may need to repeat injection treatments to sustain the symptomatic knee OA relief.
- Risks of Allergic Reactions: Orthovisc may have a potential risk of hypersensitivity reactions due to being avian-derived.
Medical professionals must equip individuals with comprehensive information about the treatment procedure, a comparison of Monovisc vs Orthovisc, and the benefits and potential risks these injections can carry. Patient education empowers individuals to make informed healthcare decisions for their condition.
Practical Considerations
Before undergoing treatment, individuals must know the treatment protocols, cost considerations, insurance coverage, and duration of relief. By understanding these factors, patients can select their viscosupplement injection, backed by medical professionals’ guidance and expertise.
- Monovisc Treatment Protocol: This treatment requires a single injection administered intra-articularly. The recommended Monovisc dosage is 88 mg (4 mL) for the affected knee joint.
- Orthovisc Treatment Protocol: Orthovisc treatment for knee OA usually involves a series of injections. The recommended dosage is 30 mg (2 mL) injected into the affected knee weekly for three to four weeks.
Both Monovisc and Orthovisc provide pain relief lasting up to six months. Monovisc achieves this with a single injection, while Orthovisc requires multiple injections. This factor can lead to considering the cost of each treatment. Patients must consult and discuss this with their trusted medical provider for a more concise price and insurance coverage.
Nonetheless, Orthovisc’s two 1 mL injections are priced at $52 at Medica Depot, while Monovisc’s one 4 mL injectable costs $349. Medical professionals can explain the other factors in the total cost, which include the number of injection sessions, injections used, and the provider’s fee or expertise. Patients should verify insurance coverage with their specific plan.
It’s worth noting that individual response varies, and various factors may affect patient satisfaction. However, both have proven their safety and efficacy based on their US FDA approval and clinical studies conducted.
On Drugs.com, Monovisc received a 50% positive response from patients. In comparison, Orthovisc garnered 59% positive reactions from patients. These patients have shared their satisfaction treatment results with Monovisc and Orthovisc, respectively.
The main difference between these supplements lies in the frequency and dosage of their injections. Medical professionals and patients can discuss whether Orthovisc’s three to four injections fit the patient’s needs, goals, and cost budgeting or whether Monovisc’s single injection can offer these benefits better.
Conclusion
The comparison between Monovisc vs Orthovisc for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) highlights their distinct origins, formulations, and treatment protocols. Both injections, utilizing hyaluronic acid, offer benefits such as improved joint function and reduced pain. Understanding the differences in their compositions and mechanisms of action is crucial for medical professionals when recommending the most suitable option for individual patients.
While Monovisc’s single-injection therapy may be more convenient for some individuals, Orthovisc’s multi-injection treatment provides an alternative for others. With their FDA approval and clinical trial results, Monovisc and Orthovisc represent viable options for managing knee OA. Patients must consult their trusted medical providers to determine the most appropriate treatment based on their needs, price, and insurance coverage.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between Monovisc and Orthovisc?
Monovisc and Orthovisc have different origins and formulations. Monovisc utilizes ultra-pure HA derived from bacterial fermentation, while Orthovisc uses avian-derived HA. Monovisc offers a single-injection therapy, whereas Orthovisc involves multi-injection treatment.
2. Are there any potential benefits of choosing Monovisc or Orthovisc for knee OA treatment?
Monovisc and Orthovisc can improve joint function and mobility, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, adhering to treatment protocols can ensure maximum benefits and efficacy from these viscosupplements.
3. Are there any clinical studies supporting the effectiveness of Monovisc and Orthovisc?
Yes, both Monovisc and Orthovisc have been studied in clinical trials. Studies have shown that Monovisc provides safe and effective therapy, significantly reducing pain within two weeks. Orthovisc is a safe and effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis across a spectrum of severity.
References
- Conrozier, T., Raman, R., Chevalier, X., Henrotin, Y., Monfort, J., Diraçoglù, D., Bard, H., Baron, D., Jerosch, J., Richette, P., & Migliore, A. (2021). Viscosupplementation for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The contribution of EUROVISCO group. Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease, 13, 1759720X211018605. https://doi.org/10.1177/1759720X211018605
- Petterson, S. C., & Plancher, K. D. (2019). Single intra-articular injection of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid reduces knee pain in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy: official journal of the ESSKA, 27(6), 1992–2002. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-018-5114-0
